Lonnie Ray Gipson

Mr. Lonnie Ray Gipson was born on March 23, 1960, in Rusk, Texas to the late John D. Gipson and Bertha B. Gipson. He is preceded in death by both his parents, and brothers John D. Gipson Jr., Johnny Ray Williams and Stevie Williams and sister Berda Mae Austin. He departed this life on June 18, 2023, peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. He accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior, at an early age, and became a member of West Union Church in Rusk, Texas. 

He attended Rusk High school and was employed locally for several years by CAPP, Arrington Lumber, and Zimmerman Signs to name a few. He later expanded his horizons and was employed abroad in Africa, Brazil, Russia, Amsterdam, and Korea, where he served as an oil rig driller and supervisor for over twenty-two years until his retirement in 2015.

Lonnie met Kathy at an early age. The two wed in February 1995 and have been lifelong companions for over forty years. Kathy was a faithful wife who supported, prayed for, and unconditionally loved Lonnie using her life’s motto, “Stay with Jesus!” Lonnie’s life was truly blessed and enriched by her loving kindness and her good cooking! He was a jack of all trades! His hobbies included hanging out with family and friends, listening to music, and playing dominoes and pool. He also enjoyed collecting and working on old school cars and ranching his cattle. Lonnie Ray Gipson was known to be the life of the party and knew how to keep a party going. If you were around him, he was sure to make his presence known and his spirit felt. He was one of a kind!

Those who remain to cherish his memories are his wife, Kathy Gipson in Jacksonville, Tx; five children, Broderick Session (Shametria) in Rusk, Tx, Raven Thacker (Jermichael) in Houston, Tx, Kelvin Whitley in Boston, Ma, Lonnie Gipson Jr in Houston, Tx, and Austin Gipson in Rusk, Tx; the world's best neighbors, Joshua Williamson (Katie) in Jacksonville, Tx; and his little best friend Isabella Williamson.

He is survived by five siblings, three brothers, Donzell Gipson in Garland, Tx, Rickie Williams in Rusk, Tx, Michael Williams in Rusk, Tx; and two sisters, Patricia “Trish” Williams in Jacksonville, Tx, and Linda Williams in Tyler, Tx

His legacy and memories will continue to live through his ten grandchildren, one great grandchild, nieces, nephews, brothers, and sisters-in-laws.

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